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Root canal therapy, sometimes simply called a root canal, is one of the most effective ways to end a severe toothache and restore the function of a damaged tooth. If you are experiencing dental pain, this treatment might be just what you need! However, it is understandable if you are a bit reluctant to book your emergency appointment; many patients are concerned about the price of dental care. Just how much does it cost to get a root canal? This blog post explains some important facts that you should keep in mind.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Root Canals
Root canal therapy may cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to $2,000 or more. The cost has such a wide range because many things can influence the price of care. One major factor that comes into play is the specific tooth that needs to be treated. Molars have more complex anatomy than front teeth, so they are more challenging to treat and tend to incur higher fees.
It is also important to note that the cost of a root canal might be just one part of your total bill. If you choose to be sedated during the procedure, that comes with a separate fee. Additionally, you are likely to need a crown for your treated tooth, which can cost $1,000 or more.
Is Root Canal Therapy Worth It?
Root canal therapy might seem pricey, but it is important to remember a few key points:
- A root canal can help to stop a dental infection, which protects your oral and overall health.
- Very often, root canal therapy costs less than an extraction paired with tooth replacement. (If you choose not to replace an extracted tooth, it can lead to significant oral health complications down the road.)
- A successful root canal can allow you to enjoy decades of reliable function from your treated tooth.
- Because root canal therapy preserves your tooth, it can allow you to have continued confidence in the beauty of your smile.
For the reasons listed above, many patients would agree that root canal therapy is worth the cost!
Help to Pay for Root Canal Therapy
If you are concerned about being able to pay for your treatment, talk to your dental team about your options. They might offer one or more of the following provisions:
- Dental insurance. Many practices welcome dental insurance. It is common for insurance to cover at least 50% of the cost of root canal therapy.
- Financing. CareCredit and other lenders offer low-interest financing for dental services.
- Dental discount plan. Ask if your dentist has an in-house savings plan. Often, these arrangements provide a significant discount on most services.
There is no way to predict the cost of root canal therapy before you visit your dentist. However, you can be confident that a healthy and pain-free smile will be worth the price!
Meet the Practice
The large team of dentists at Westgate Dental Care is proud to provide a broad range of oral health services for our community, including root canal therapy. We are even able to welcome emergency patients on a same-day basis in most cases. We welcome insurance and financing, and we have a high-value in-house savings plan. To learn more about us and our policies, contact our Arlington Heights office at 847-577-7171.